"Fools! Cowards!" Your angry shouts echo throughout the throne room as your once loyal minions free in terror as the heroine and her entourage enter the chamber. Even you must shield your eyes from the radiant light as she steps forward into the room, banishing shadow and illuminating the once dark hall.
Rania Venyra, a young elven woman granted the powers of light from the gods themselves, strides into your throne room, her knights and retainers following her. She looks resplendent in her armor, sword in hand. With her golden blonde hair waving behind her, and piercing silver eyes boring right into you, it is suddenly very clear to you how this elven maiden managed to crush your armies and invade your fortress.
Narrowing her dazzling magical sword straight at you, Raina shouts, "We've come for you, Demon Lord. Your reign of terror is over!" Her words are met with cheers from those assembled around the throne room. You can't help but feel like a fool. The heroes have defeated you; there's no denying that now. Raina slowly strides towards you, intent on bringing truth to her words.
Of course, you still present an intimidating figure. Towering over the elven girl in height, you are clad in your great black plate mail, your unholy great sword in hand. But even then, you know what comes next… Raina raises her weapon high above her head, shouting defiantly, "I will end your tyranny!" But before the final duel between light and dark begins, you do something none of the heroes present expect.
Throwing your sword to the ground, you kneel in front of the heroine. "I surrender, Lady Rania," you supplicate, "I throw myself upon your mercy."
The gathered heroes gasp in surprise— they never thought you would give up so easily! And yet, they also sense that you're not lying about being willing to submit. Perhaps you truly have seen reason? Or perhaps you just want to live? Either way, you stand to gain nothing by fighting any longer. They may be able to kill you if they wish, but you are counting on the merciful nature of the elven girl in front of you to survive another day.
Raina takes a moment to consider your offer, and after a few moments' silence, she nods her approval. "Very well," she says calmly. "You have surrendered and I accept, and as a servant of the Light shall grant you life ." She extends a hand toward you, offering you salvation. But before you can accept it, some of Rania's companions voice their disagreement with her decision.
"No!" one of them exclaims. "This man has brought us much suffering. We should slay him immediately!"
A human man adds, "He betrayed our people, Lady Rania. He deserves death!"
As these two argue amongst themselves, you begin to wonder whether you might actually get away with escaping this situation alive. After all, who could blame the heroes for wanting to execute you for your crimes against humanity? Yet, when Rania speaks again, she still seems sure of her decision. "My friends, please forgive me," she implores. "But I can not kill someone who has surrendered. It would go against everything the Light stands for."
She reaches out and places her hand on your shoulder, gently turning you face-to-face with her. As you look into her beautiful silver eyes, you see compassion and forgiveness shining through. For whatever reason, she wishes to spare your life despite your many misdeeds. What does she intend to do with you now that you've been turned back from the brink of destruction?
Looking at the gathered crowd, she reaches a determination. "I will make it my responsibility to watch over him. He will enter my custody and be under my care." She turns her gaze downcast, looking apologetic. "However, he will be kept apart from others until such time as his rehabilitation can be determined. If anyone else tries to harm him, I will punish them severely."
***
You are shaken out of your daydreaming by a gentle voice calling you, "Have you finished watering the plants?" You aren't in your castle these days, instead living in an isolated cottage with the elven maiden and former heroine, Rania as part of your 'rehabilitation'. Despite the fact that you were once a powerful demon lord, you've found yourself quite content here. In fact, it feels almost normal.